Media reports say Toyota will relocate part of its GR Corolla sports car production to Britain, with plans to invest approximately £41m in a dedicated production line in its Burnaston, Derby plant, but its not yet been oonfirmed by the Japanese car maker. This strategic shift aims to utilise excess capacity in Britain to reduce delivery wait times for the … [Read more...]
Luton shut-down raises more fears
Last week's announcement that the Luton van plant will close in April with the loss of about 1,200 assembly jobs and thousands more in the supply chain has starkly brought home the issues facing the automotive sector and the components supply industry is struggling to survive as well. Ford plans to cut 800 UK jobs among 4,000 going in Europe and Nissan has … [Read more...]
Britain & EU losing components business
The European Union’s automotive trade balance is at a critical juncture, with the potential to become a net importer of automotive components for the first time ever in 2024. Despite significant investments in research and development (R&D), the EU’s manufacturing of innovative automotive technologies is increasingly moving abroad. In 2023, … [Read more...]
Covid cars masking missing features
Cars made during the pandemic with irregular specifications are causing valuation issues as they start to appear on the used market, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. It is causing a headache for dealers and annoying customers who think they are getting models with higher specifications than is the case. Marcus Blakemore, chair of the trade body’s … [Read more...]
Parts suppliers struggling and issue warnings
The European automotive supply industry, a vital pillar of the EU economy, is confronted with volatility and uncertainty from both their customers and upstream suppliers. Despite facing substantial headwinds, industry players maintain a cautious optimism, navigating through challenges and strategising for transformation. High levels of uncertainty … [Read more...]
Tradelines 6 March
Car makers, component suppliers and the recycling industry across Europe have criticised proposed new legislation on dismantling. A planned EU law would require the complete recycling of vehicles down to the smallest component, such as a circuit board, but the opponents say this is unrealistic, impractical and would generate more carbon emissions than would … [Read more...]
Legend car makers facing end of the road
Around 51% of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker also shows that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold thanks to tougher … [Read more...]
New car sales shrug off winter chill
Improving supply components and completed cars has seen another rise in registrations in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Sales in Wales rose the most in Britain with a 29.6% increase to 2,370 new cars. SMMT datum show 74,441 cars were registered last month – a 26.2 per cent rise on February 2022’s lower numbers but … [Read more...]
Car-parts makers face unprecedented change
The speed of change for the automotive industry is accelerating and also diversifying, according to the latest analysis by the car maker's component suppliers body. The results of the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey reflect the expectations of automotive suppliers and provides an outlook into an increasingly volatile business environment, with the … [Read more...]
Suppliers face new opportunities in car sector
Britain’s car-makers and component suppliers face opportunities as the race speeds up towards a future of pure electric vehicles, delegates to the annual Autolink Conference in Cardiff were told yesterday. On the day that the UK Government announced a £620 Million grant to boost ev-sales, extend the national recharging network on-street and in homes, as … [Read more...]
